World's tallest mountain shrinking, study shows

The warming climate is melting the glaciers of Mount Everest, shrinking the frozen cloak of Earth's highest peak by 13 percent in the past 50 years, researchers have found.

The warming climate is melting the glaciers of Mount Everest, shrinking the frozen cloak of Earth’s highest peak by 13 percent in the past 50 years, researchers have found.

Rocks and natural debris previously covered by snow now are visible as the snow line has retreated 590 feet, according to Sudeep Thakuri, a University of Milan scientist who led the research.

The pessimistic view of Earth’s tallest peak was presented last week during a meeting of the American Geophysical Union in Cancun, Mexico.

Researchers said they think the observed changes could be a result of human-generated greenhouse gases altering global climate, although their research has not established a firm connection.

The team reconstructed the glacial history of the area using satellite imagery and topographic maps of Everest and the surrounding 713-square-mile Sagarmatha National Park. Their statistical analysis shows that the majority of the glaciers in the national park are retreating at an increasing rate, Thakuri said.

“The Himalayan glaciers and ice caps are considered a water tower for Asia, since they store and supply water downstream during the dry season,” Thakuri said. “Downstream populations are dependent on the melt water for agriculture, drinking and power production.”

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.